Rust stains on your drains, pipelines, or kitchen or bathroom sinks might indicate a rust accumulation inside the plumbing system. Over time, this accumulation can result in unsightly reddish-brown stains and is caused by poor maintenance of your plumbing system and/or a build-up of iron inside the pipes. These stains are unsightly, making you hesitate to approach your sink.

Rust stains in the sink normally do not develop overnight. However, you might not see them forming gradually and softly around your plumbing fittings. Despite using the sink every day, you don’t see the rust until it becomes too obvious to ignore. The rust stains may have become so enormous by then that you are in a terrible predicament.

Fortunately, these stains are not permanent and may be easily removed. We’ll show you five methods for removing them without the use of harsh chemicals, as well as how to help avoid them – or at least keep them away for a time.

What Causes Rust Stains?

Rust forms when iron and oxygen combine with moisture to generate iron oxide (this is why you’ll commonly see rust on a can of shaving cream or a razor blade). Rust stains around the sink, shower, and toilet bowl drain, on the other hand, may be created by water having massive levels of iron particles or iron bacteria. Rust can also be caused by iron plumbing lines, rusted water heaters, or untreated metal components in toilet tanks.

Rust is a form of oxide or a compound made from iron and oxygen that forms when moisture combines with iron. It is the reason you will commonly see rust on cans of shaving cream or razor blades. Rust stains around sinks and showers may be caused by water having large levels of iron particles or iron bacteria. Rust can also form on plumbing lines that are exposed to high levels of moisture (e.g., in a house with an improperly vented roof), on water heaters that are not properly insulated, or on metal components in toilet tanks that have been left untreated after being flushed for long periods of time.

Rust stains are prevalent in homes located in hard-water locations, where the mixture of minerals and iron bacteria in the water can cause rust particles to adhere to porcelain or enamel surfaces of bathroom fixtures. The impact of hard water usually tends to begin at 7 grains of hardness.

Unless you filter your water or use a water softener, stains can reappear after cleaning. Thankfully, removing them temporarily is not a difficult task if you know what to use.

5 Ways to Remove Rust Stains Safely and Effectively

Commercial rust removers normally work well for the most part. They can quickly oxidize rust without any elbow grease—simply apply it to the rusty surface and then rinse it away. However, many homeowners are hesitant to use commercial rust cleaners as they typically contain harsh chemicals that can damage the skin or respiratory system.  Furthermore, they are not environmentally friendly; some chemical solutions can affect pH levels, which causes tissue damage to wildlife and death when the chemical is ingested before dilution.

Citric Acid

To remove rust stains, scrub the stain using fresh lemons, limes, grapefruits, or lemon or lime juice. These fruits’ acids attack the stain. If that doesn’t work, dip the cut edge in salt or baking soda to create a soft abrasive for a thorough cleaning.

Most supermarkets have powdered citric acid available as well. Make a paste of the powder and a few drops of water, then apply it immediately to the discolored area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing away the stain with a scrub brush or an old toothbrush.

Vinegar & Baking Soda

To remove stubborn rust stains, mix three parts baking soda and one part vinegar. Apply the paste to the rusted area with a scrub sponge, and let it sit for an hour. Rinse with water, and the rust will be gone. If the stain is still stubborn after multiple applications, try using steel wool to pull it away from the metal surface, then rinse clean with water before applying any more paste.

Once the stain has been removed, you may keep rust at bay by spraying problem areas with distilled white vinegar, cleaning the area with a scrub brush, and then thoroughly rinsing it.

Cream of Tartar

The byproduct of winemaking is used in many baking recipes including cookies, cakes, and pie crusts. Because of the acid, it is also an excellent rust remover! Try sprinkling it on rusted spots and create a paste with a few drops of water to use to shower walls or toilet bowls. Allow it to sit for a while, and consider keeping the paste moist while it works by covering the area with plastic wrap.

Pumice

Because they do not scrape or harm the surface, pumice stones can be used to remove rust, particularly from porcelain. Simply moisten the rusted surface and the stone, then gently rub them together to eliminate the rust.

Shaw’s Pads

Shaw’s Pads are an excellent, affordable, and ecologically responsible solution to clear stains on porcelain and ceramic surfaces if you don’ mind a little elbow work. Plumbers swear by them since they operate properly and leave no marks. You may easily get them online if you can’t locate them at your local hardware shop.

How to Prevent Rust Stains on Sink, Showers, and Toilets

Rust stains will continue to emerge over time, but there are a few things you can do to keep them at bay for the time being.

Install a Water Filtration System

A water filtration system can remove nitrates, arsenic, organic compounds, and bacteria from your water. This can lessen the number of mineral deposits that create excessive discoloration on your plumbing while also providing you with healthier and better-tasting water.

Do not allow metal objects to touch Surfaces

Because of the dampness in bathrooms, shaving creams, air fresheners, hair sprays, cleansers, and razors can rust fast. Rust will accumulate on the surfaces of your sinks and showers. Consider storing these items in a cabinet, even if it isn’t as convenient.

Clean the Surfaces

Rust stains can be prevented by drying your sinks, showers, and tubs after use. This is to avoid rust particles from settling on the surface.

Fix Plumbing Leaks

Even the smallest drops from a faucet can soon lead to rust stains. So, if you have or suspect a leak, get out your DIY equipment or call your local San Mateo plumber.

Check Your Toilet Tank

Metal components in older toilet tanks may have corroded and rusted. Replace corroded metal components with non-corrosive PVC ones.

Stubborn Rust Stains can be Frustrating to Deal with!

Caccia Plumbing can assist you in all of your plumbing needs—from replacing a faucet cartridge to installing a water softener or a water filter. Our team serves San Mateo and the surrounding areas, including Burlingame and Hillsborough. We can install both types of filters for you, reducing mineral build-up that leads to rust problems. Contact us today to set up an appointment or learn more about our services.